Oriental Cockroach Control
Oriental Roaches: Uninvited Guests You Never Want to Entertain
What Are Oriental Roaches?
Also known as the “water bug,” a creepy crawler that’s been haunting homes for centuries. Their glossy jet-black bodies are around 1 inch long, and their preference for damp, cool environments makes them a top invader in bathrooms, basements, and garages. These resilient pests are infamous for crawling in from the sewers and wreaking havoc with their foul odor and disease-carrying habits. Gross, right?
The Dangers of Oriental Roaches
Oriental roaches aren’t just a cosmetic issue—they’re a public health risk. They thrive in unsanitary environments like drains, decaying organic matter, and garbage, dragging bacteria, pathogens, and allergens into your living space. You could be dealing with E. coli, Salmonella, or even dangerous respiratory issues like asthma when these guys make themselves at home. Oh, and did we mention their horrendous odor? It’s like a mixture of mildew and rot. Once they’re around, you’ll definitely smell it.
Oriental Roach Biology and Life Cycle
Oriental roaches are like the slow but steady marathon runners of the insect world. The female can produce up to 16 eggs per ootheca (egg case), and each of these creepy egg capsules can hatch up to 8 roaches. These eggs are usually hidden in dark, moist crevices and take about two months to hatch. While adult males can glide a short distance, these guys rely more on their sneaky abilities to crawl around unnoticed. They can live for nearly half a year if the conditions are right. Gross, right?
What Attracts Oriental Roaches to Your Home?
Wondering why these critters picked your home to invade? Oriental roaches are moisture addicts. They love humid, wet environments and typically make their way indoors from nearby sewers, drains, or leaking pipes. Even wet leaves or standing water around your home can invite them in. From basements and laundry rooms to leaky outdoor faucets and poorly drained gutters, these pests thrive in dark, damp hideaways. If you’ve got a drip or leak, expect these unwelcome visitors.
10 Fascinating Facts About Oriental Roaches
- Oriental roaches are often called “water bugs” because of their affinity for moist environments.
- Oriental cockroaches get their name from a time when they were thought to have originated from Asia, but they actually originated from Africa.
- They are one of the slowest-moving cockroaches, giving them a false sense of innocence. Don’t be fooled!
- Weak Climbers. People often find them in tubs and sinks, but this is often because they can’t get out.
- These roaches can’t fly, but males have short, useless wings that look impressive but do nothing. Females are even scarier—wingless and slightly larger.
- Oriental roaches are notorious for carrying disease-causing bacteria like Salmonella.
- They have been known to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Oriental roaches are nocturnal, preferring to feast and move around in the dead of night.
- They can survive for up to a month without food but need moisture constantly, making them difficult to get rid of.
- Their love for filth is unparalleled—sewers, trash piles, and decaying matter are their favorite hangouts.
DIY Tips for Keeping Oriental Roaches Out
- Eliminate any standing water around the home, including clogged gutters, birdbaths, and flowerpots.
- Fix leaking pipes and faucets to cut off their water source.
- Keep your home as dry as possible by using dehumidifiers in basements or damp areas.
- Regularly clean drains and garbage disposals—don’t give them a buffet!
- Store food in airtight containers and keep your kitchen squeaky clean to avoid attracting them indoors.
- Vacuum and sanitize dark, damp areas where they might hide, such as basements or behind appliances.
- Seal up cracks around your foundation, windows, and doors to prevent them from sneaking in.
Why Professional Help is the Best Solution
When it comes to this cockroach, there is commonly a moisture issue that needs to be addressed. That is the most important. But where is it? And how to deal with the cockroaches that have already setup shop? Dealing with oriental roaches on your own is a lot like trying to plug a leaky boat with a cork—it’s only a matter of time before things go wrong. Oriental roaches are not only resistant to most over-the-counter insecticides, but they also have a knack for hiding in the darkest, hardest-to-reach areas of your home. Professional pest control experts use targeted treatments and determine whether long-term strategies are appropriate for your situation. Don’t risk the health and safety of your home—leave it to the pros.
Home Protection Plan
This pest is considered a “General Pest” and is covered under our General Pest Home Protection Plan. For more information on our Home Protection Plan, see here.
Call Pasadena Pest Control—Because Chasing Roaches at 2 A.M. is So Last Season
Let’s face it, chasing down oriental roaches in your basement at midnight is not how you want to spend your time. Call Pasadena Pest Control, and we’ll handle these pests faster than you can say, “Why does my house smell like old gym socks?” Time to get serious about your roach problem—give us a shout today!
Questions Others are asking
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be happy to provide more information.
be happy to provide more information.
Oriental cockroaches are shiny black or dark brown, measuring about 1 to 1.5 inches in length.
They are drawn to moist areas and decaying organic matter.
Address moisture issues, maintain cleanliness, and use insecticides labeled for Oriental roaches.